Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is in the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre (UN-GGKIC) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) in Deqing, China. The Geospatial Information Officer reports to the Senior Geospatial Information Officer. The Centre’s overarching goal is to advance the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) set by Member States by developing capacity, promoting and supporting the required innovation, leadership, coordination and standards to strengthen, integrate and deliver national geospatial information policies, data, systems, tools, services and capabilities within their national development strategies and institutional arrangements.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief and the overall guidance of the Director, the Geospatial Information Officer is responsible for the following: • Takes the lead to implement projects and activities of the UN-GGKIC in accordance with the agreed work plan, including policy guidance and knowledge sharing, technical and capacity development activities. • Leads the development of the required approaches and guidance to develop, strengthen, integrate and deliver national geospatial information policy, data, systems, tools, services and capabilities into national government development policies, strategies and arrangements. • Contributes to the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to the Centre’s International Advisory Committee, the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, administrative and budgetary programmes and other policy-making organs, as appropriate. • Translates organizational needs into analytics and reporting requirements to support decisions, strategies and workflows with geospatial data and information. • Leads and oversees the technical aspects of geospatial information tools and resources, and development of new approaches to respond to the delivery of the overarching goal of the Centre and organizational needs, • Implements and documents processes, best practices, tools and quality assurances so that the Centre’s projects and activities are managed in a secured and efficient way, promoted and used by all potential stakeholders. • Provides technical inputs for the development of methodologies for geospatial information analysis, baseline data collection, definition of mapping products and services to support the overarching goal of the Centre. • Provides operational, technical and analytical expertise to projects and colleagues within the Centre by understanding how to apply the principles, practices and added value of geospatial information. • Evaluatesneeds, identifies and operationalizes patnerships. • Keep track of trends and developments in geospatial analysis, technologies, practices, , tools, etc. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the operational focus of the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework. Ability to provide technical advice in the development and implementation of policies, programmes and methodologies with a view to strengthening geospatial resources and capacities. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and proficiency in the subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in geography, geospatial information, Earth sciences, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience maybe accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in geospatial information management, applied spatial analytics, surveying and mapping, data visualization, stakeholder management or related area is required. Experience in national geospatial information management and related policy development is required. Experience in using geospatial data and information to guide decisions, develop strategic direction and oversee execution is required. Experience in geospatial information and technologies management such as geo-database management and analysis, mapping, development of spatial methodologies and/or quality control is required. Experience with team and project management is required. Experience in international organizations is desirable. Experience in applying geospatial information to monitor and inform progress toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This Job Opening refers to a position for an extrabudgetary-funded project of finite duration. External candidates selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA-limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (c) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on Administration of appointments. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, and extension of the mandate. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.